The long-awaited day arrived on May 28th. The day had come for my sister and I to travel back to Nicaragua - it had been 2.5 years since I had seen many of these dear people. At 5:30am began the long day of travel for us, but we were excited and looking forward to the final destination. We flew out of Harrisburg at 10:38am, flying to Washington-Dulles, then to Houston, with the final destination being Managua, Nicaragua at approximately 9:30pm (CST).
It was so great to see these familiar faces after a long day of travel. We headed to Malpaisillo, located about 1 hr 45 minutes. We arrived shortly after 12am, tired from a long day, but excited to finally be there. The next day started off with a bang.
A Mother's Day party was planned for the mothers of the students who attended Colegio Cristiano Ezperanza Viva. A neighbor lady made a big pot of Arroz Relleno and the VS girls prepared a cake for everyone. Games were planned for the start of the party and the fun was topped of with a piñata.
 |
| The mothers and their students. |
At the current time, there are four Nicaraguan students, as well 3 American students(children of the pastor serving in Nicaragua). The mothers all had a great time seeing the environment that surrounds their children 5 days a week, as well as relating to the other mothers there. For me, it was great to be there and meet the new people that are involved with the mission and church there.
Friday evening the local youth-age young people came to the church for an evening of soccer. They played several games as it thundered in the distance. The lightning was so bright and was flashing all around. After the games were over, we all gathered around for a time of singing, before passing out sandwiches, snack, and a drink. After eating, they played for a little longer before heading to their respective homes.
Saturday morning the VS girls and all of the visiting girls headed to Leon. After dropping Virginia off at Richard's, the rest of us headed to Poneloya for a morning on the beach. It was great to walk along the shore and spend some time in the water. We headed back just before lunch, stopping at San Juan Market to buy fruit for smoothies.
Saturday evening we had another youth event, this time with the church youth and the single staff. Christine made a large pot of rice and sweet-n-sour chicken & vegetables. Wendy and I agreed to take care of the dessert/snack. We decided to attempt to make kettle corn, which actually went pretty good once we got the propane heat adjusted properly and the youth seemed to enjoy it.
 |
| The church sign |
Sunday there was two church services. In the morning service, Wendy & I taught the children's Sunday School class, which I enjoyed thoroughly. In the evening, we had a song service. It was so wonderful to be singing in Spanish again, united with other church people.
When we arrived in Nicaragua, it was very dry. Dark clouds would form from time to time, but often times it would not rain. However, there was a few heavy thunderstorms before our trip ended. The one storm we managed to capture the beauty of a rainbow as we watched the approaching storm - a reminder of how God promised to not destroy the earth with a flood again.
Not only do the humans appreciate the appearance of rain, but also the animals gladly receive the rain. This little pig was running back and forth on the road, enjoying the pouring rain that was refreshing the earth and making a mud puddle for him.
Tuesday afternoon was yet another afternoon of classes. This time it was children's classes. There were little ones and big ones all around. I agreed to teach the little children's class, which was great fun to be with the little ones who had tons of energy.
Wednesday morning, Wendy & I helped Christine make a batch of doughnuts before walking to Terminal to do some final shopping. Christine walks around Malpaisillo selling her donuts one morning a week and meeting new people each time. She walks around calling "las donuts, lleva las donuts." She found it to be a great opportunity to spend with other ladies.
Thursday morning at 3am, we headed to Managua to board a plane to bring us back to United States. Our time in Nicaragua had flown by, but I was challenged and blessed as I saw the work of God continuing there in Nicaragua. Seeing the potential of the many individuals that they relate to from day to day has challenged me again to let me light shine bright as I serve here in PA
 |
| The sun setting over Chicago |
Blessings to you as you serve where God has called you. I will leave you with a parting reminder. A favorite song in Spanish. The translation is below:
The Apple of My Eye by Daniel Calveti
You saw me when nobody saw me
You loved me, I love
You saw me when nobody saw me
You loved me when nobody loved me
And you gave me a name
I am your child
Apple of your eye
Because you loved me
And gave me a name
I am your child
The apple of your eye
Because you loved me
You loved me
I love you more than my life
And you gave me a name
I am your child
The apple of your eye because you love me
And you gave me a name
I am your child
The Apple of your eye
Because you loved me
You loved me
